NITROGEN OXIDES

FORMATION
From Automobile Exhausts
&
Its HARMFUL EFFECTS to
Human and Environment
NITROGEN OXIDES FORMED DURING COMBUSTION
Occurs at Temperatures Above
1400oC
Prompt mechanism was first described by Fenimore in 1971
(Fenimore, 1971). Occurs at temperatures 300-800 oC.
 -Crude oils contain 0.1 to 0.2%
-Coal typically contains 1.2 to 1.6%
-Shale oil deposits in the USA contain 2 to 4%
nitrogen.
-Permian Basin in Texas have
Effect of NOx

In the morning hours of a warm clear day people go to work using their cars. There is strong traffic
and NO molecules are formed. These are oxidised and converted into NO2 slowly spreading from the
city centres and highways. The beams of the raising sun split NO2 into NO and cause ozone (O3)
formation.
Effect of Nox on environment

VOLATILE PEROXYACYTLY
NITROGEN
OXIDES
ORGANIC NITRATE
COMPOUND

PHOTOCHEMICAL
SMOG
 Smog can irritate and inflame pulmonary membranes,
causing chest pains, coughing, and throat irritation.
Other illnesses such as colds and pneumonia
can also be brought on by exposure to smog.

People with asthma problems are under

an even greater threat. Even minor
exposure to smog may cause these people
to get asthma attacks.

Smog slowly ruins people's lungs to an

extent as great as that of cigarettes.

Adopted From Acosta (2017)

Effect of Nox on environment
Nitrogen oxides will react with oxygen and
water in the air and fall as acid rain.

Acid rain
- Corrode metal structure (bridges)

- Destroy building in particular chalk

stones and marble. (think Taj Mahal)
- Acid rain is harmful to forests as
chemicals in the soil damage the trees

- kill aquatic life because toxic. And it Check out the lakes pH level!
makes the lakes acidic.The animals living
in them can die.
Effect of Nox on human
Nitrogen oxides are toxic in high
concentrations.
(it is very unhealthy to inhale emissions
standing directly in the exhaust gas plume of
a car!)
Effect of Nox on human

Breathing Problems: Commonly

Asthma, Coughing I chestpain